The
UDM expresses its grave concerns at closure of music departments at various
tertiary institutions, such as UWC, UDW and Natal Technikon. The UDM expresses
its disgruntlement at the state of affairs which have led to the sacrifice of
intellectual engagements. This is so because the music department is not the
only small department that is under threat. Other such departments include
language departments. Talented students are now being marginalised through
loosing opportunities to develop their talents into a career.

The
Chief Director for higher education, Ahmed Essop said that it is the individual
institutions and not his department that decide which departments should close.
However, many heads of departments and senior lecturers belief that the notion
of rationalisation is being taken too far and hence music departments are being
marginalised. Much of the defence in a meagre attempt to explain is based on the
maintainence of state subsidies. In order to maintain and increase state
subsidies institutions are forced to offer what attracts the majority of
students, thus marginalizing smaller departments.

The
UDM challenges the Minister of Education and tertiary institutions to
innovatively seek solutions and partnerships with the private sector in order to
ensure the survival of this and other Departments.